2.1.2

Chapter 1: Key Themes

Test yourself

Key Themes in Chapter 1

Chapter 1 focuses on characterising Briony. We are introduced to Briony's character through her being the focalizer of the narrative perspective. Chapter 1 is full of irony.

Illustrative background for Narrative perspectiveIllustrative background for Narrative perspective ?? "content

Narrative perspective

  • The chapter is told from the perspective of a 3rd person omniscient narrator with Briony as the focalizer (the character from whose perspective we tend to see events).
  • But the reader is kept at some distance from Briony. The narrative even invites us to laugh at Briony’s “fantasies” of herself as a writer and at her overblown, pretentious use of language.
Illustrative background for Authorial intrusion: the playIllustrative background for Authorial intrusion: the play ?? "content

Authorial intrusion: the play

  • Through an authorial intrusion we learn that Briony’s play will not make it to performance: “Briony was hardly to know it then, but this was the project’s highest form of fulfilment”.
  • This is the first example of McEwan breaking the chronological sequence of the novel’s narrative - in this case to foreshadow some disruption to Briony’s plans.
Illustrative background for Irony: **"no secrets"**Illustrative background for Irony: **"no secrets"** ?? "content

Irony: "no secrets"

  • Some details in the opening chapter which appear insignificant on first reading take on deeper significance once the story becomes clearer.
    • E.g. the descriptions of Briony as having “no secrets” and not having “it in her to be cruel” become charged with irony once future events are known.
Illustrative background for Tragic irony in Briony's storiesIllustrative background for Tragic irony in Briony's stories ?? "content

Tragic irony in Briony's stories

  • Likewise, that Briony’s stories are said to follow “the principles of justice” with “the morally dubious” being punished by death and the virtuous given the “reward” of marriage creates a sense of tragic irony for those aware of how Briony’s story at the end of Part One will result in a travesty of justice.
Illustrative background for Briony as writerIllustrative background for Briony as writer ?? "content

Briony as writer

  • Briony’s creative instincts are associated with a desire to impose a sense of order on her surroundings but are also depicted as containing a moral purpose (e.g. to “guide” Leon towards the “right” wife) with good being rewarded and evil punished.

Jump to other topics

1Introduction to Atonement

2Chapter Summaries & Analysis: Part One

3Chapter Summaries & Analysis: Part Two

4Chapter Summaries & Analysis: Part Three

5Chapter Summaries & Analysis: Part Four

5.1Epilogue: London, 1999 - Pages 353-371

6Key Character Profiles

7Key Themes

8Writing Techniques

9Context

10Critical Debates

Go student ad image

Unlock your full potential with GoStudent tutoring

  • Affordable 1:1 tutoring from the comfort of your home

  • Tutors are matched to your specific learning needs

  • 30+ school subjects covered

Book a free trial lesson